Rio hopes Nagas find political solution soon

Dimapur, September 24: Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio, said Naga society is at the cross road and is going through a very difficult time because of the political situation. He, however, hoped that the Naga political issue will come to an end sooner or later. “We are hoping that sooner or later Naga political issue will come to an end but this will depend on the unity of the Nagas,” Rio said this while addressing the Poumai Naga students (Poumai Naga Tsudoümai Me, Delhi) on the occasion of its 29^th fresher’s day on September 24 in New Delhi.  Rio said Nagas should also be grateful to the Government of India as our issue has been recognised as a political issue, adding ‘We should appreciate the Government of India that our history, our culture, and our identity has been recognised as unique.’ While saying that coming together is a difficult step, Rio insisted we have to try by assimilating example of South Korea of how they were suppressed but with the given opportunity, they seized it and are now at par with most of the developed countries. He encouraged the Nagas to grab the opportunity, to cultivate the work culture and start working to unite the community. Rio noted that he was highly impressed by the unity of the Poumai community and welcomed the fresher’s to Delhi. Stating that students life is the most crucial period of life, he advised them to not only study to become oneself but to serve the community and to help the needy. He also remarked that today’s generations are fortunate as parents send them as far as Delhi to study and seniors to guide them. He further asked the students to be mindful when they are outside and not to provoke others and make friends to the locals as well. The programme began with a welcome song and invocation prayer. Khozholou Rovah, PNTMD president, in his welcome address, was of the view that there are more than three thousand Poumais in Delhi alone and appealed the students to make the best use of the time in their stay in Delhi and joint hands to work together. SK Baruah, Commissioner of Custom, in his speech, ask the students to have a globalised mindset, reach hands to as many people and try to build bridges with the other community and to mix with as many people as possible.